Bloom and Lockette left the transfer station in Magix, and looked around for Flora. Not seeing the Fairy of Nature, they went across the street to a small pizza shop to wait. Getting a couple of slices and a soft drink for herself and Lockette, they sat down to eat at an outside table. The place had pixie-sized portions, which made sense considering how close to the station the shop was, and the kinds of beings that passed through.
Just as Bloom was finishing her second slice, Chatta landed on the table, and she and Lockette embraced. Bloom looked up to see Flora approaching. They gave each other a greeting hug, and Flora sat down to join them.
Bloom slid her plate toward Flora. "Want this last piece? I think I let my eyes get bigger than my stomach."
Flora picked it up and took a bite. "Thanks. No need to let it go to waste."
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A while later they left the bus at the Alfea campus. No one greeted them, and they headed for the Admin Building.
"I'm really looking forward to the start of junior year," said Bloom.
"Me too. I know we keep in touch regularly, but it isn't a substitute for being together," replied Flora.
"Me and Lockette are going on to the Pixie Village," said Chatta, "We need to recharge ourselves after being away for so long."
"Okay, see you later, then," said Bloom, and the two fairies waved as their pixies flew higher and disappeared over the buildings.
The two friends made their way to Faragonda's office, and knocked. "Come in," was the reply, and they did so.
"Girls, I'm glad to see you, but I'm not entirely clear on why you're here," said the Alfea Headmistress.
"We're worried about Mirta," said Bloom, "Her contacts with us are getting fewer and farther between, and she seems distracted and worried when you read between the lines."
"I see," said Ms. Faragonda, "I haven't seen her in about a week, but I know she's on campus. She and Knut have repaired the laboratory Stella destroyed, so we'll have it ready by the start of the year." She stood up. "But if you're worried enough to come here to check, there must be something wrong. I trust your instincts. Let's go find her."
When they got outside, they found Knut waiting for them. "I'm glad you're here," said the ogre, "I'm really worried about Mirta. Maybe you can talk some sense into her."
"What's wrong with her, Knut?" asked Ms. Faragonda.
"She works herself way too hard, and won't rest. She goes to her room really, really tired, and she's making mistakes in her magic that even I know are bad," he replied. "She's over there." He pointed, and started walking toward the classrooms.
They found her in fairy form and near the ceiling, scrubbing hard at a stubborn dark spot left over from the laboratory explosion. She heard them come in, and landed to greet them.
Mirta had always been thin, but now the only word to describe her was wiry. She had lost some weight, and muscles stood out on her body. Despite the air conditioning, she was still perspiring, and had dark bags under her eyes. While seeming to be glad to see Bloom and Flora, she was apparently having trouble focusing on them.
"Oh, dear," said Ms. Faragonda, "Mirta, what have you done to yourself? You look like you haven't slept in weeks!"
Holding herself upright by sheer willpower, Mirta answered, "I'm fine, Ms. Faragonda. As soon as I get that last spot removed, I'm going to start on those unused classrooms you wanted to be ready."
"See what I mean, ma'am? She won't listen to me and take a break!" said Knut.
"Yes, I do, Knut," answered the Alfea Headmistress, "Mirta, I want you to stop working!"
"But ma'am," protested the girl, "Those classrooms need to be ready!"
"You've done quite enough, young lady," said Faragonda, "It's time you rested."
"I can't. I have to be sure you're getting value for your investment," Mirta answered.
"All the work around campus you've done has more than paid for your tuition and keep next year. I want you to stop now," said Faragonda.
"But--" said Mirta.
"Don't argue with me, Mirta," interrupted Faragonda, "You will take the rest of the summer off. That's an order."
Defeated, Mirta slumped. "Yes ma'am."
"Don't worry, Ms. Faragonda, we'll take care of her," said Flora.
"I'm sure you will. Thank you," was the reply, and Faragonda took her leave. She indicated to Knut he should go as well, and the ogre took the hint.
Bloom and Flora looked at the redheaded girl. She was still standing rigid, sponge in her hand.
"You can relax now," said Bloom with a hint of amusement, "Your spot at Alfea next year is assured."
Mirta looked at her, then sat down in a convenient chair. She closed her eyes. The sponge fell to the floor. She was asleep where she sat, literally.
Using a levitation spell, they took her back to her room and laid her on the bed. Quietly they left, closing the door behind them.
They went to the dorm room they had shared the past two years, and found it in wonderful shape. The few plants Flora had left were healthy, and she could feel the happiness from them. Mirta had taken great care of them. This made Flora smile. It was just more evidence that Mirta was a Fairy of Nature as well.
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That evening, they checked on their friend, and found her still asleep. They headed for the kitchen to scrounge up something for supper, when Ms. Faragona asked them to join her at a table. Plates of food, drink and silverware appeared in front of them.
"Have you talked to Mirta about the rest of the summer?" asked the Alfea Headmistress.
"No, ma'am," said Bloom, "She fell asleep as soon as you left the room, and is still asleep."
"I want her to come back to Linphea with me," said Flora, "Since she's a Fairy of Nature, I think it would be best if she were among plants and animals to rest."
"I was going to invite her to stay with me, but I like your idea better," said Bloom, "It would probably be the best thing for her."
"I agree, Flora," said Faragonda, nodding approvingly.
Just then a sleepy-eyed Mirta came in from the dorm area, yawning and staggering slightly. She came over and sat down with the others.
"Ms. Faragonda, did you mean what you said?" she asked.
"About your tuition and keep being paid? Yes, I did. I've never seen anybody work as hard as you have over the past six weeks. Even Knut was impressed," was the reply. Faragonda waved a hand, and a plate of hot food flew from the kitchen to land in front of Mirta.
The girl smiled widely. "Thank you! I'm glad you're satisfied with my work!" she dug into her food.
A few minutes later, Ms. Faragonda said, "Mirta, Flora has a proposal for you, and I think you should take it."
Flora smiled. "Now that you've found your winx source, I want you to come home to Linphea with me for the rest of the summer. It's a planet of Nature, and it would be good for you, and help you get in better contact with your magic."
Mirta looked down, embarrassed. "I- I wouldn't want to impose..."
"Oh, no, you wouldn't be imposing! I talked to my parents, and they are looking forward to meeting you!" she giggled. "And my little sister especially. She's always wanted to meet a witch!"
Mirta sat still for a moment, then looked at Flora. "Okay, I accept! Thank you!" She smiled shyly.
"Great!" said Flora, "We'll leave tomorrow!"
After that, the conversation turned to other topics.